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Saturday, Dec 29, 2007
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Grave challenge: CWC

Gargi Parsai

‘She served her country with courage’
A colossal tragedy for the people of Pakistan

NEW DELHI: The Congress Working Committee (CWC) on Friday said the assassination of the former Pakistan Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto, was “yet another reminder of the grave challenge posed by the forces of terror and violence.”

Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who chaired the specially convened CWC, expressed the party’s shock and grief at the assassination. “Her death is equally a loss for the entire region of South Asia,” she said.

Even as Ms. Gandhi arrived at the All-India Congress Committee headquarters here for the 122nd foundation day function and the CWC meet, the party’s defeat in Himachal Pradesh came to be known. Ms. Gandhi declined to take any questions on it, saying it was not the right occasion as this was a condolence meeting. “I’ll speak later,” she told journalists.

She later visited the Pakistan High Commission and signed the book of condolence. Reading out before journalists the condolence resolution adopted by the CWC, Ms. Gandhi said Benazir served her country with courage and distinction.

“Supreme sacrifice”

“Knowing fully well the risk involved in the task of restoring the democratic process in Pakistan, she did not hesitate to risk her life in pursuing this objective with courage, commitment and dedication. Her supreme sacrifice to the cause of democracy in Pakistan will continue to be a source of inspiration to those who have firm faith in the spirit of democracy.”

Ms. Gandhi said the loss of such a popular and charismatic leader, especially at this critical juncture, was a colossal tragedy for the people of Pakistan. “The reprehensible and cowardly act, which has brutally cut short a life full of promise and potential, deserves to be strongly condemned by civilised society.”

“The CWC deeply mourns her untimely death and conveys its heartfelt condolences to the members of her bereaved family, the Pakistan People’s Party and the People of Pakistan in their moment of grief.”

The CWC met after a brief function at the AICC headquarters here to commemorate the foundation day.

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